It’s not inconceivable that in between waves, surfers will be able to use their smartwatches to surf the net following the expansion of free high-speed WiFi along the Sunshine Coast’s beaches.

Sunshine Coast Council has expanded its free high-speed internet services to over 70 access points at 21 locations across the region, with new WiFi access points launched at Mooloolaba Beach, Alexandra Headland and Maroochydore Beach, which will host the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships from 16 to 24 April.

“Free WiFi is a service that people are coming to expect and the new services will help visitors keep connected,” said Sunshine Coast Mayor, Mark Jamieson.

“Some of the first visitors to use the new connections will be those coming from around the country for the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships – it will help them stay in touch with people back home and to explore the Coast.

“We expect that around 2000 users could connect at once in Mooloolaba based on the number of access points installed there once the expansion is complete.

“This capacity will, to some extent, vary depending on the types of devices people connect and we will monitor the usage to evaluate and improve where possible.

“Council will also install free WiFi later this year as part of the Bulcock Street streetscape upgrade in Caloundra and will continue to look for opportunities to expand the WiFi network.”